The Guardian Who Lost His Soul-Wolf

Julian was dying.

Whispers said only a Lupine Heart could cure the Shadow Curse eating him alive.

So Seraphina gave the order—to slaughter the Silver Soul-Wolf bound to me for a millennium,

to carve out its heart while it still beat.

I collapsed over the dying wolf, blood pouring from my chest.

"You know what I am!" I screamed.

"When the Soul-Wolf dies, I die with it!"

She didn't hesitate.

"It's just a wolf," Seraphina sneered.

"I'll buy you another—if Julian lives."

The blade fell.

She knew the truth.

She looked into my eyes as she destroyed my life force—

and called it an act.